POLITICS: Tim Jackson has described a recent Dáil meeting with Rural Alliance TD Mattie McGrath as “constructive”, adding that he hopes rural Ireland will have an Independent voice at cabinet level with the formation of
a new Government.
Jackson told Donegal Daily, “I think it’s vital that a Minister for Rural Affairs is appointed by any new Government, preferably an Independent TD who can make more effective decisions than a party TD beholden to the Taoiseach.
“There is a very definite and continuing neglect of large swathes of rural Ireland, indicated not least by the steady decline of once thriving small towns and villages that are desperately in need of proper broadband and infrastructural investment.
“Obviously a rural affairs ministry must be funded properly in order to have any impact.
“I would also reiterate my call for Deputy Thomas Pringle to open talks for entering Government as it is obvious Donegal needs local TDs to secure much needed investment for the county.
“I would hope that Independent TDs who are usually on the opposition benches will put the interests of the county first by seeking Government positions, particularly now that concessions have been made on water charges.”
“The water charges and Irish Water itself are more likely to be abolished if Independents enter Government and are part of the review process that has been arranged for the coming months.
“Furthermore, talks on the formation of Government offer Independents an opportune time to negotiate spending measures on roads, health and education for their constituencies.
Donegal has been neglected for far too long in this regard.”
Jackson’s meeting with Independent TD Mattie McGrath comes in the wake of prolonged negotiations for Government between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and various Independents, with an outcome likely in the coming week.
Although he acknowledges many shared policies with McGrath and other members of the Rural Alliance, Jackson said there is important democratic value in remaining truly independent of established politicians.
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